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Urartu entertain Banik Ostrava at the Urartu Stadium in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round on Thursday (August 1). The hosts received a 5-1 drubbing in the first leg at the Mestsky Stadion.
Banik opened up a five-goal lead before Urartu pulled one back in stoppage time through Gevorg Tarakhchyan. It was Urartu’s first setback in six outings across competitions. Their chances of reaching the third qualifying round are now dangling by a thread.
Aryutsner had a dream start to their campaign, beating Estonian side Tallinna Kalev 4-1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round. Urartu now face the spectre of an early elimination, like in the previous edition, when they crashed out in the second qualifying round.
Meanwhile, Ostrava’s outstanding win over Urartu appears to be a sign of improvement for the Czech side following their woeful pre-season. They won only one of their six friendlies, losing five, before opening their domestic season with a 2-1 loss to Bohemians 1905.
Chachařn are making their return to the European scene after 14 years. They reached the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round in 2010-11, which remains their best run in Europe. Banik, though, are winless in eight trips across competitions.
Urartu vs Banik Ostrava Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Urartu have won twice, drawn twice and lost once in their last five home matches.
- The hosts are yet to reach the third qualifying round of a European competition.
- Urartu have played 37 UEFA matches, winning seven and losing 27.
- Banik have drawn once and lost four times in their last five road outings.
- Urartu have won twice, drawn twice and lost once in their last five matches, while Banik Ostrava have won twice and lost thrice in the same period.
- Form Guide: Urartu – L-W-W-D-D; Banik – W-L-W-L-L
Urartu vs Banik Ostrava Prediction
Urartu could take confidence from their impressive form before their collapse in Ostrava. However, overtuning a four-goal deficit without conceding would be a tall order.
Banik, meanwhile, may have to improve their form on the road to avoid a tense return leg. Urartu come as the favourites to win the second leg but might not be able to overturn their deficit.
Prediction: Urartu 3-1 Banik
Urartu vs Banik Ostrava Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Urartu
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Urartu to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Banik to score - Yes
